Fear gripped residents of Osogbo, Osun State, as members of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS) unleashed havoc across the city.
The violence followed the shooting of their chairman, Mr. Iyanda Alowonle, allegedly by a police officer.
Properties were damaged, scores of people were injured, and transportation was brought to a standstill.
The trouble began on Wednesday morning, with OSTMS workers storming key areas of Osogbo, including Ọlà-Ìyá, Oroki Estate, Òkè-fíà, and Old Garage.
The workers, furious over the attack on their leader, attacked passersby and blocked roads, forcing many residents to stay indoors.
Several business owners reported losses as shops were vandalized.
Passengers faced difficulties finding transportation as the OSTMS declared a strike.
The unrest was triggered by the shooting of Mr. Iyanda Alowonle, who was reportedly shot in the abdomen by Superintendent of Police Moses Lohor while in police custody.
The shooting allegedly stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Mr. Alowonle and a neighbor.
He is now in the intensive care unit at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, fighting for his life.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the violence and called for peace.
“I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands,” the Governor urged.
He assured residents that justice would be served, revealing that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had ordered the arrest of the officer responsible.
“Justice will be served. We will not allow agents of violence to destroy the peace and stability of our dear state,” Adeleke added.
Following the incident, the IGP directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of Superintendent Moses Lohor and his team.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, confirmed that Lohor’s actions were deemed “unprofessional, illegal, and against operational codes.”
Lohor and his team are reportedly being transferred to Abuja for interrogation.
“This directive from the highest police authorities ensures that justice will not be delayed,” Mr. Ojo stated.
Residents of Osogbo expressed shock over the violence that disrupted their daily lives.
A shop owner at Ọlà-Ìyá, Mrs. Taiwo Adekunle, lamented, “I had just opened my shop when they came, shouting and breaking things. I barely escaped.”
A taxi driver, Mr. Femi Oladimeji, said he was forced to abandon his vehicle to avoid being attacked.
“What happened today shows how quickly things can spiral out of control,” he said.
The shooting has raised concerns about police professionalism and accountability in Nigeria.
Activists have called for thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.
“We can’t have officers acting like this. Shooting an unarmed man in custody is unacceptable,” said human rights lawyer Barrister Funke Ayinde.
The National Human Rights Commission has also reportedly taken interest in the case.
Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for cooperation between residents and authorities to restore peace.
“This is a sad moment, but we must remain united and work together to ensure stability,” he said.
Transport workers have been urged to resume normal activities as investigations continue.
